Qatar Museums and Qatar University partner to research Qatar’s underwater archaeological environment

Qatar Museums (QM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Marine Science Cluster at Qatar University’s Environmental Science Center (QU-ESC).

In the terms of the agreement, both organisations will collaborate on the study of Qatar’s marine features and underwater archaeology, the first of its kind in the Gulf region. The research aims to make new discoveries that will help shed light on the history of marine trade in the region.

The agreement will also serve in developing a research database from findings recorded by Janan, QU’s state-of-the-art marine research vessel, as well as further strengthen the relationship between QM and QU. It will also extend to other areas of cooperation, including, but not limited to, lectures, special training and supervision of academic studies.

A study will also be conducted on the geophysical and bathymetric data of Qatar’s waters. Throughout the process, both organisations will be able to identify and analyse the artefacts and eco facts recovered from the project. In addition, the project will introduce a new study about the sea level change and the relation with the settlements during the prehistory period in Gulf region.

Marine sites will be evaluated and ensuing reports will detail the underwater archaeological findings from each site, as well as the benefits of each. Qatar Museums will be responsible for monitoring and protecting any marine archaeological features and artefacts, discovered during this research process.